In the dramatic Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, the Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the teams consistently mentioned as a team wanting to secure a move for the Greek Freak. Hoping to pair Antetokounmpo with Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves have the ability to swing big and give Milwaukee a strong package in return. As they continue to pursue a deal with the Bucks, Wolves general manager Tim Connelly has shaken hands on a deal that saves Minnesota a fair amount of cap space as they prepare to land a deal with Milwaukee.
Apr 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley (10) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Minnesota Timberwolves Setting Up Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
Of the teams attempting to land Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Minnesota Timberwolves are somewhat of a wild card. The team clearly wants to pair Anthony Edwards with a co-star, and after being rumored to trade for Kevin Durant last season, it appears the T-Wolves are still big-game hunting in 2026.
While Minnesota does not have the draft assets that Miami does, or the young talent that Golden State does, they have several trade pieces that could be enticing for Milwaukee. Players like Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels represent high-ceiling role players that could ensure the Bucks have a decent squad even after Giannis exits.
Jan 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot between Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) and center Naz Reid (11) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
On February 3, Minnesota made a move that they hope will get them closer to grabbing Giannis. They dealt veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr. to Chicago in a three-team deal that also involved the Detroit Pistons. In return, Minnesota saved approximately 10 million in salary and created a roster spot – both of which can help them in a Giannis deal.
Just in: Chicago, Minnesota and Detroit have agreed to a multi-team deal that sends Jaden Ivey and Mike Conley Jr. to the Bulls and Kevin Huerter and Dario Saric to the Pistons, sources tell ESPN. Detroit also receives a 2026 first-round protected swap from Minnesota. pic.twitter.com/pgxqr1WT90
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
How Mike Conley Trade Helps Timberwolves in Giannis Antetokounmpo Pursuit
Conley has had a dramatically reduced role this year, so it makes sense for Minnesota to view his contract as something worth getting rid of.
Bulls and Pistons have desires met here in a young and veteran guards to Chicago and a sharpshooter goes to Detroit. Minnesota creates significant tax savings and roster space as they pursue a Milwaukee star this week. https://t.co/u9FiTn4wTD
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2026
Importantly, the salary saved means the Timberwolves have navigated themselves under the first apron, meaning they have some flexibility with salary matching in a trade. Timberwolves media figure Tim Garrison explains:
With a heavy heart I’ve removed Mike Conley from the Wolves Salary spreadsheet.
Minnesota now has two open roster spots, and have ducked the first apron, leaving $2.45m in space under the 1st apron.
If you’re wondering what the return is, it appears to be the flexibility that… pic.twitter.com/tIMUbd0509
— Tim Garrison (@TimGarrisonMN) February 3, 2026
A move like this from Minnesota signals to the rest of the league that there are teams doggedly trying to make the move happen. Milwaukee needs to continue to be patient and let the pot simmer as teams ramp up their prices in a bidding war. New teams are entering their names in the hat every day, and the Bucks cannot afford to get this wrong.
Jan 13, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is helped up by guard Kevin Porter (7) after a foul in the third quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
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